Prime Minister Stephen Harper appears set to clash with European Union leaders over Canada's climate change efforts at an annual summit, the Toronto Star has learned.

A draft version of the communiqué to be signed in Prague tomorrow indicates Canada is resisting a push to bring its greenhouse gas fighting efforts into line with those of the vast majority of nations.

Whatever has happened to Canada, the EU nations will be shaking their heads once again.

And just for fun, here's a little working theory on my part...

In the lead-up to his government's disastrous, foot-shooting, near-death experience fall partisan economic update, Harper oversaw it from Peru, the November APEC Summit.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, from overseas, was aware of and agreed with plans to leak stories that would distance him and the current party leadership from former prime minister Brian Mulroney, the Star has learned.

Could just be pure coincidence, of course. But I for one would strongly encourage the PM to follow his gut instincts and get his partisan dander up while abroad. It's always a treat.

Have a good trip...most Canadians will be watching with the usual unease and trepidation...